Pop Star Movies Take over Theaters

Reality shows and the cult of pop stars are taking over Korean movie screens.

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Boy band BTS' new film was released on Thursday, and a movie version of TV Chosun's hit reality show "Mr. Trot" will also hit theaters in October.

"Break the Silence: The Movie", which is already their fourth, follows the boys on their world tour last year.

"Mr. Trot: The Movie" follow the contestants including winner Lim Young-woong and the other top five. The film centers on stories of becoming stars overnight and also features footage of their concert in Seoul in August, allowing fans to enjoy it on the big screen.

It will be screened only at Lotte Cinema multiplexes. "As they are hugely popular now, we expect the film will be successful with profitable revenues. We think cinema screenings would be more accessible for many people in general than going to live concerts", it added.

"BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky", to be aired on Netflix on Oct. 14, charts the girl band's rise to the top of their game in four years, including a Billboard Hot 100 No. 13 and other record-breaking achievements.

The extension of reality TV into the movie theaters is stirring up the industry. Film critic Kim Hun-sik said "It used to be the reputation of directors that attracted viewers, but now it's pop stars everywhere". He added the industry will have no choice but to chase the taste for escapism in troubled times.